Mary Berry Cheese Scones Recipe

There’s an art to creating the perfect scone – tender, flaky, and just waiting to be slathered with butter.

Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones recipe is a savory twist I absolutely revel in, with each scone rich in cheesy goodness.

A valuable tip is to handle the dough as little as possible; this ensures your scones are light and airy rather than dense.

What I find so delightful about this recipe is the way the cheese creates a beautifully crisp crust, yet leaves the inside soft and melt-in-your-mouth.

How to Make Mary Berry Cheese Scones

Ingredients List

To make these delicious cheese scones, be sure to gather the following ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 50g cold butter, cubed
• 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 25g parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 100ml milk plus extra for glazing; you can use half and half if desired

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) / Fan 200°C (392°F) / Gas 7 and lightly grease a baking tray.

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients by mixing the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.

Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add them to the dry ingredients mixture.

Using your fingertips, rub the butter in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Step 2

Stir in 2/3 of the grated cheese to the mixture, saving the remaining cheese for later.

In a separate jug, break the egg and add enough milk to make up to 150ml.

Mix well.

Step 3

Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix quickly and gently to form a soft dough.

Do not over-mix, as this may create a firm dough.

Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the scone dough to a thickness of about 2cm.

Step 4

Cut out scone shapes using a round cutter and place them on the prepared baking tray.

You could also cut the dough into squares or triangles if desired.

Glaze the tops of the scones with a little milk, and then sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top, pressing it down gently.

Step 5

Bake the cheese scones for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven or until golden brown and well-risen.

Let your cheese scones cool on a wire rack before enjoying them warm or at room temperature.

Now, you know how to make deliciously tempting Mary Berry Cheese Scones with this clear and easy-to-follow recipe.

Enjoy your freshly baked cheese scones while they are warm and the cheese is still melty!

Side Dishes for Mary Berry Cheese Scones

Mary Berry Cheese Scones are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your snacking experience.

Here are some great side dishes to consider when enjoying these cheesy delights:

Cranberry Sauce

A small blob of cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory cheese scones.

The vibrant color of the sauce also adds an appealing pop to your plate.

The combination of flavors will leave you craving for more.

Strawberry Jam

Sweet and fruity, strawberry jam complements the richness of the cheese scones, providing a delightful contrast.

Just spread a little jam over the warm scones, letting it melt and blend with the cheese.

It’s a classic pairing that never goes wrong.

Enjoy them with friends, family, or simply by yourself!

Ingredients Substitutes

Baking Powder Substitute

If you don’t have baking powder for the Mary Berry cheese scones recipe, you can use a combination of cream of tartar and baking soda.

Mix 1/2 tsp of cream of tartar with 1/4 tsp of baking soda to replace 1 tsp of baking powder.

This blend will provide the same leavening effect, making your scones rise and become fluffy.

Salt Substitute

In case you’re watching your sodium intake or you simply don’t have salt at hand, you can use a pinch of potassium chloride as a substitute.

It has a similar taste to salt and maintains the balance of flavors in your cheese scones.

Cayenne Pepper Substitute

If you don’t have cayenne pepper in your kitchen, you can use red pepper flakes or paprika as a substitute.

While these options may not give the exact same heat as cayenne pepper, they’ll still add a little spice to your scones.

How to Store Mary Berry Cheese Scones

When it comes to Mary Berry’s cheese scones recipe, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness.

Here, we will discuss some of the best methods to store your delicious cheese scones:

Refrigerator

After your cheese scones have cooled on the baking tray, transfer them to an airtight container.

Layer a sheet of wax or parchment paper between layers of scones, if necessary.

The airtight container will help to keep your scones fresh and prevent them from drying out.

For optimal freshness, store your Mary Berry cheese scones at room temperature.

Storing them in the refrigerator may cause them to become dry and lose their tender texture.

If you live in a hot and humid environment, store the scones in a cool, dry area of your kitchen, away from direct sunlight.

Freeze for Longer Storage

If you won’t be consuming your cheese scones within a day or two, consider freezing them for a longer storage option.

To do this, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or parchment paper, and then place them in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container.

This will help protect the scones from freezer burn and maintain their quality for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your cheese scones, simply defrost them at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm them in a low oven.

By following these storage methods, your Mary Berry cheese scones will stay fresh and delicious for you to enjoy whenever you want a tasty treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Soft or Sticky Dough

When making Mary Berry’s cheese scones, ensure that your dough is not too soft or sticky.

A firm dough makes it easier to work with and will result in a better texture in the final scone.

If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour to achieve the desired consistency.

Choosing the Wrong Cheese

For cheese scones, it’s essential to use a hard and strong cheese, such as cheddar, red Leicester, or parmesan.

Avoid using blue cheese or other soft cheeses, as they won’t provide the desired texture and flavor for your scones.

Make sure that the cheese you choose is mature for a flavorful scone.

Forgetting to Keep Everything Cold

Scone dough relies on cold ingredients to achieve its flaky texture.

Be sure to use cold butter, eggs, and cream when preparing your cheese scones.

This will help create layers in the dough and result in flakier scones.